Sun Prairie To Host Annual Groundhog Day Prognostication

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
January 20, 2026
Ashley Manthei
Communications Manager
amanthei@cityofsunprairie.com
(608) 608-0322
 
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. – The City of Sun Prairie is thrilled to host the 78th Annual Groundhog Day Prognostication on Monday, February 2 at Downtown Sun Prairie’s Cannery Square! You’re invited to rise early and join the excitement as we gather to find out whether there will be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. With Jimmy the Groundhog’s impressive track record of accurate predictions, this is a must-attend occasion for all weather enthusiasts.

The ceremony begins bright and early at 6:45am, with the Prognostication taking place during sunrise at 7:11am.

This year’s event will be emceed by Dana Fulton and Emma Hietpas with WKOW. The morning’s activities commence with the color guard’s performance of the national anthem. Following this start, Sun Prairie Mayor Steve Stocker will deliver declarations. Proceeding Mayor Stocker is State Senator Melissa Ratcliff who will then present a Gubernatorial Proclamation, officially designating it as Groundhog Day in the State of Wisconsin. Joining the celebration will be a distinguished gathering of elected officials, including city council members and other local representatives.

“Are you ready for Groundhog Day in the Groundhog capitol of the world?” asks Jade Pekol, Community Events and Development Manager with the City of Sun Prairie. “The chance to meet Jimmy only comes once a year, so we hope you can join us to see what he will predict! See you bright and early on Monday, February 2!”

Leading up to Groundhog Day, Sun Prairie will be hosting a number of family-friendly events during our annual Frozen Fest, which takes place Wednesday, January 28 through Sunday, February 1. Bring your friends and family out to enjoy activities such as ice carving, a winter beer garden, a pancake breakfast and much more! Learn more by visiting our event page: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1472/Frozen-Fest
 
About City of Sun Prairie
Sun Prairie is a vibrant and thriving community located in northeastern Dane County, just east of the City of Madison. The City of Sun Prairie has experienced strong population growth since its incorporation from a village to a city in 1958, undergoing a transformation from a relatively small community of less than 4,000 to an estimated 39,419 today.